Little Ducky, You’re the One

Thousands of ducks, this year as many as 4,000, gently floated down the Mad River. They bumbled their way over rapids, swirled in back eddies, and navigated around perilous jutting rocks. 

It’s all the more impressive considering these are rubber duckies. And all 4,000 of them were numbered and organized by the Mad River Valley Rotary Club. This charitable force in the Valley sponsors multiple fundraisers throughout the year: the entertaining Great Duck Race, the Von Trapp display garden tour, and the local restaurant raffle, to name just a few. Last year, the Rotary raised over $60,000 for the community. Those funds, combined with the countless volunteer hours provided by the 60 MRV Rotary members, help tens of Valley and regional Vermont charities, and award college scholarships to three Harwood seniors annually. 

But back to the Great Duck Race. The ducks launch from the overpass on Route 100 and the first duck that crosses the finish line at Lareau Swimming Hole wins. The lucky individual who “bought” the numbered duck wins a prize, this year $1000! No one remembers exactly when the event started, but Rotary knowledge pegs it at sometime before 2004. 

The MRV Rotary Club is open to business leaders and volunteers alike. If you are interested in joining, or learning more about the organization, click here.